55 Millennium - Twentieth Edition 54 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine BUSINESS, FINANCE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP Bhama Cairns is an experienced auditor and financial manager with over 40 years of experience to her credit. Since 2017, she has served the City of Kentwood, Michigan, as the deputy finance director. Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Ms. Cairns had initially hoped to become a pilot but was encouraged by her family to pursue accounting. In her current position, she oversees internal controls and compliance, budgeting, and ensuring that her department meets the needs of the diverse community it serves. Ms. Cairns originally began her career in 1978 as an auditor for Ernst & Young, where she recognized her talent for financial management and accounting. In the late 1990s, she entered the public sector, spending two years as an internal auditor for Kent County. Between 2000 and 2004, she operated as a financial analyst for The Reformed Church in America before returning to municipal government as deputy treasurer for the City of Rockwood. She then worked with the City of Wayland as a deputy city manager, finance director and treasurer from 2008 until 2012, at which point she became the controller for the City of Hamtramck, a position she retained until accepting her current role in 2017. As part of her vocational journey, Ms. Cairns earned a BBA and a BS in accounting at Calvin University. She subsequently continued her studies during the early stages of her career, ultimately achieving an MPA in local government administration at Western Michigan University in 2005. In addition to her academic credentials, she is a chartered global management accountant, a chartered management accountant and a certified public accountant, demonstrating her professional excellence at an international level. Outside of her work in local government, Ms. Cairns is a member of the board of the Grand Rapids Alternative Correctional Experience and a volunteer performer for local senior centers. Recently, she was selected to participate in the Michigan Municipal Women’s League Women’s Manager Leadership Program, where she hopes to help empower other women in government positions. Millennium Magazine Featured Listee BHAMA CAIRNS DEPUTY FINANCE DIRECTOR City of Kentwood Grand Rapids, MI BUSINESS, FINANCE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP Achievers Inc., reflecting his deep commitment to civic engagement. Known for his integrity, ethical conduct and dedication to excellence, he has earned a stellar reputation in the financial industry. His unwavering commitment to honesty and fairness in his dealings — with both his clients and the IRS — has made him a trusted adviser to countless individuals and businesses. Mr. Burns is committed to developing a toptier financial firm in the Southwest region — one that prioritizes client empowerment, trust and long-term success. To realize this vision, he is focused on enhancing financial services in annuities, money management, tax preparation and financial planning. He aims to help clients lead purposeful lives through financial security and remains dedicated to expanding his firm’s impact by offering expert guidance and ongoing support in the pursuit of clients’ financial goals. With several decades of experience to his credit, Bobby L. Burns is a proven leader in business management and finance. Specializing in taxation, he has served as a financial adviser at TransTax Associates since 2005. The client-focused consulting firm provides essential tax and financial management services to a wide range of clients. Additionally, since 2000, Mr. Burns has held the role of president at INV Logistics Inc. Mr. Burns began his professional journey with a solid academic foundation. He earned a Bachelor of Science at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 1971. In 2004, well into his career, he furthered his education at the DeVry University Keller Graduate School of Management, where he obtained a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance. Beyond his academic credentials, he is a certified tax coach, a registered investment advisor, and an enrolled agent authorized to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In addition to his professional work, Mr. Burns serves as the vice president of Black BOBBY L. BURNS FINANCIAL ADVISER TransTax Associates Arlington, TX
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